CHAN 2024: Kenya Appeals to CAF to Increase Match Attendance Capacity at Kasarani
- Kenya has appealed to CAF to review a controversial decision on the Kasarani Stadium made weeks ago
- Serious security breaches during the game against Morocco saw Kenya charged and fined millions of shillings
- The capacity at Kasarani Stadium for their last group was reduced to 60% and CAF warned that matches could be relocated
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The Kenyan government has officially requested CAF to reassess the capacity of Kasarani Stadium ahead of Harambee Stars' quarter-final clash against Madagascar.
Source: Twitter
CAF sanctioned Kenya following security breaches at CHAN 2024, forcing them to pay fines and warning that their matches would be relocated if the security issues were not addressed.
So far, CAF has charged Kenya five times and imposed fines totalling over KSh 12 million, which must be paid by October.
Why did CAF reduce Kasarani capacity?
Major security breaches have occurred in several matches in Kenya, with the latest happening on Sunday, August 10, during the match between Kenya and Morocco at Kasarani Stadium.
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Fans forced their way into the stadium, some without tickets, overcrowding the venue and prompting CAF to cap ticket sales for the Zambia game at 27,000.
No security breaches were reported in Kenya vs Zambia, and CAF has yet to review their directive.
Kenya was first charged after their opening game against DR Congo. Following the Morocco clash, the government and FKF established 13 fan zones across the country to allow fans who couldn't get into the stadium to follow the game.
What is Kenya's appeal to CAF?
The Kenyan Ministry of Sports released a statement outlining the preparations for the Kenya vs. Madagascar encounter. Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya said FKF appealed to CAF to increase the capacity to 100%
“FKF has already engaged CAF to have the numbers revised; however, we await CAF’s response and will communicate any updates in due course,” he said.
Source: Getty Images
Mvurya also mentioned that the government has increased the number of fan zones following the success of last Sunday’s event. They also addressed the ticketing issue, which had been problematic due to the site crashing.
Kenya is facing Madagascar in what is arguably the biggest game in their history. Benni McCarthy's team has performed well and is just two matches away from reaching the final.
What next for Kenya?
Harambee Stars are just two matches away from reaching the CHAN 2024 final, marking the first major final in their history.
They face a resilient Madagascar side that finished second in Group B, behind Tanzania, who will play Morocco on Friday at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.
A win over Madagascar will see them face either Sudan or Algeria in the semi-final. If they reach the final, they’ll play in front of their fans at Kasarani on August 30.
Are Kenyans buying Tanzania vs Morocco tickets?
In a related story, TUKO.co.ke reported that Kenyans threatened to buy tickets for the Tanzania vs Morocco game.
Kenyans reportedly rushed to buy tickets for the Tanzania game after securing tickets for the Kenya vs. Madagascar match became a challenge.
Kenyans and Tanzanians have bantered each other for years, and it is intensifying during CHAN 2024.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
